Strunk, Ethel - 1946

FUNERAL SERVICES HELD FOR RICHARD H. HIRSCH

Richard H. Hirsch, one of Bellwood’s most outstanding citizens, died of a heart condition on Monday, January 21, at his home on South First Street.  he had been in failing health for the past several months and only recently returned from a check-up in an Altoona hospital.

The deceased was a son of Edward and Margaret (Henry) Hirsch, was born at Siglerville, Mifflin county, on February 28, 1884.  When a mere youth he came to Bellwood and was engaged by the late G. A. Jamison as clerk in a grocery store on Main street.  Later the grocery store was sold and the owner established a furniture store which later merged into the Bellwood Furniture company, where Richard found employment.  He was with the company for many years and upon the death of G. A. Jamison, was made manager of the firm, and through his energy and ability as a salesman the company soon attained a prominent place in the business affairs of the boruogh <sic>.

Mr. Hirsch was a thorough and capable business man and paid close attention to the affairs of the company which he represented.  He was foremost in the civic affairs of the community and gave liberally of his time and attention for the good of the town.

He will be missed in the town, and especially in the store of the Bellwood Furniture company.  He was of a cheerful disposition and his sunlit countenance made sunshine in shady places.  His friends were many, not alone in the community, but elsewhere, and they will sorrow with the bereaved ones.

His going is an irreparable loss to the town.

He was united in marriage with Ethel Strunk, who survives with two daughters, Mrs. D. M. Sunderland, of 2611 Quail avenue, Altoona, and Norma Jean Hirsch, at home; one son, Thomas A. Hirsch, of 412 S. Second street, Bellwood, who recently returned from army service; one grandson, Richard Hirsch, and on foster son, Jack Kustaborder, at home.  Also surviving are two sisters, Mrs. R. R. Woomer, of 1805 Adams ave., Tyrone, and Mrs. George Powley, of Vail.

Mr. Hirsch was educated in the public schools of Milroy, and since becoming a citizen of the borough, was a member of the First Methodist church and the Lions Club.  He served on the borough council from 1925 to 1934 and was president of that organization from 1928 to 1932, and gave the borough a progressive administration.

Largely attended funeral services were held in the First Methodist church Thursday afternoon, in charge of the pastor, Rev. H. T. Covert, who paid a touching tribute to the memory of the departed.  The floral offerings were many and beautiful.

Interment was made in the Logan Valley cemetery.

Green be the turf above thee,
    Friend of our better days,
None knew thee but to love thee,
    None named thee but to praise.
~ Bellwood Bulletin, 24-Jan-1946, Page 1, Columns 5 & 6

You can visit the memorial page for Ethel Dora [Strunk] Hirsch.